A grieving rat is searching for new friends following the sudden death of his brother. 

One-year-old Rocky and his brother Bruno were taken in by the team at RSPCA's Suffolk Central Branch in Martlesham after a member of the public found them abandoned in Woodbridge. 

Bruno died on Monday, November 18, leaving Rocky all alone. 

Animal centre manager Zoe Barrett said: "Rats are highly sociable and intelligent animals so Rocky is really struggling without his brother, he's never been on his own before and it's so sad to see him all alone. 

"Rocky and Bruno would often be curled up together in their hammock and now he has to sleep alone."

READ MORE: Seven cats and kittens found dumped in car park

Rocky's brother Bruno died at the centreRocky's brother Bruno died at the centre (Image: RSPCA)

Centre staff are hoping to find a single male rat to become Rocky's new best friend or a home with a group of male rats who have a large enclosure with lots of enrichment. 

Although he was shy and nervous when first arriving at the centre, Rocky has come out of his shell with a fun and cheeky personality 

Supervisor Lotti Buchholz said: "He absolutely loves to climb and run around his enclosure before going for a nap.

"He was incredibly overweight when he arrived and has been on a strict diet to start to bring his weight down - we would like this to continue in his new home."

Rats form strong bonds with their friends and human carers and do not cope well on their own. 

The team are looking to find a new owner for Rocky who has experience in caring for rats and can introduce new rats to each other in a positive way.